Two Israeli embassy staff members have been killed in a brazen daylight shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what officials are describing as a “cowardly and antisemitic attack.”
The Israeli embassy confirmed the victims as Yaron and Sarah, describing them as “our friends and colleagues” and expressing “devastation and heartbreak” at their loss.
“No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss,” the embassy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Our hearts are with their families.”
Suspect Identified: Elias Rodriguez
Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect has been tentatively identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, a resident of Chicago, Illinois.
“Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing outside the museum,” Smith said. “He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun, and opened fire.”
Both Yaron and Sarah were killed in the attack. Afterward, Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum and was detained by event security.
Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. A press briefing is expected later today from federal investigators.
Remembering Yaron and Sarah
The victims, remembered by colleagues as “kind, dedicated, and in the prime of their lives,” had been working at the embassy for several years.
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Memorial events are being planned in both Washington D.C. and Tel Aviv.
